Q. Why has the Torah world abandoned the custom of saying most Piyutim in the davening on Shabbos, Yom Tov, High Holidays, and other special occasions?
A. The tradition of reciting piyutim during the tefilos goes back a long time. Some piyutim recited today were written in the days of the Geoinim such as "Shema Koli" written by Rav Hai Gaon The practice is mentioned by Rav Saadia Gaon and Rav Paltuy Gaon (Bach O.C. 68), the Rambam in Morei Nebuchim and in Eben Ezrah (Koheles) and many other Rishonim.
However Tur (O.C. 68) relating to the Piyut known as Krovetz, quotes the different opinions as to if it constitutes a Hefsek or disconnection, if said in places where a Hefsek is not permitted. And he adds, that in his opinion he would annul the practice as it conduces to idle talking by the attendants. Pri Chodosh (O.C. 113) echoes this view. Bach (ibid.) however, vehemently rejects the opinion of the Tur and quotes an instance were a sage omitted the piyutim, and did not outlive that year. A similar story is told in the name of the Divrei Chaim (Tiferes Bonim p.425 - see Ysmach Ysroel p.103 as to Rav Chaim Kanievsky's Shlit'a view on reciting piyutim)
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is, that today's custom of omitting many of the piyutim, is based on the fact that few understand the language and meaning of the piyutim, in contrast to ancient times when their recitation carried great emotion and significance. Today many recognize that their time could be better used in learning Torah, that has become Be"H so accessible and easily reached.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Important Numbers
